Dear Friends,

This month we are having our Stewardship Campaign. Everyone on our Church Electoral Roll will be getting a letter and information about your Giving. We want everyone to return a Pledge Card with their new Standing Order & Gift Aid or request for Envelopes at Pentecost Sunday 23rd May. The Bishop of Shrewsbury will then bless our Pledges & Forms on Sunday 13th June at the Confirmation. To help with your decision on your giving:

'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also' Luke 12.34

Giving for Life

Life Giving. Through giving his life for us, Jesus provided the ultimate demonstration of God’s generosity. Giving is at the centre of God’s character – God gives us life, and his giving is renewed daily. In what ways have you expressed your thanks for all that God has given to you?

Giving throughout Life. When considering matters concerned with giving and generosity many Christians find that they are on a lifelong journey. They see that their thinking about money and what they should give has changed over time. Where are you on your journey of generous giving?

Giving Life. When we give we give life. Regular committed giving by church members enables the church to carry out God’s mission in the world. Church and charitable giving gives new life, new vision, new hope. Do you give regularly? Do you give generously?

Giving in all of Life. Christians are challenged to be generous in every aspect of their lives. It’s not only about giving, but offering hospitality, giving time and using skills – in our churches, but also in our homes, our workplaces and communities. Giving is the outworking of faith. In which area do you find it easiest to give? Which do you need to work at.

What can I do?

Give Thanks. Give thanks for everything with which God has blessed you. Do this regularly, as the more often we give thanks, the more we realize how much we’ve been given.

Give Regularly: Commit or re-commit to giving money regularly to the church and to other charities. Review you giving in other areas, such as time or hospitality.

Give Generously: General Synod has challenged church members as an initial target to give 5% (or £1 in £20) of their after-tax income to and through the Church, and a similar amount to other work that helps to build God’s kingdom.

Give Yourself: Be involved with the organizations you support. Spend time praying for the work of your church and that of other causes you support. Keep up to date with what they are doing so that your prayers and your giving are properly informed.

My prayers and best wishes,

Fr. Philip Edge - Vicar